Digital Commons Network^™

Examining The Impact Of Body Esteem And Cyberbullying Victimization On Mental Health Outcomes In College-Aged Women, Lorena Victoria Houghton

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the role of cyberbullying victimization, body image constructs, and social anxiety on depression and suicidal ideation among 396 college-aged women. The researcher hypothesized there would be an indirect relationship between various body image-related constructs and depression/ suicidality through cyberbullying victimization and that the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and depression/ suicidal ideation would be moderated by social anxiety. Moderated mediation analyses via bootstrapping revealed cyberbullying victimization significantly mediated the relationship between various body image-related constructs (appearance-related social media consciousness, body esteem, and internalization of body ideals) and suicidal ideation while social anxiety served as a moderator between cyberbullying …

Study Of Temperature Effects Of Glucose And Microwave Dielectric Dispersion Model, Ethan Grant Boone

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, the temperature effect of dielectric properties in various aqueous solutions containing glucose are examined. A design for a new testing chamber is introduced to provide improved conditions for testing to ensure accurate and precise measurements. A N-SMA Adaptor is used when obtaining dielectric characteristics of glucose solutions ranging 100-300mg/dl. Dielectric parameters are obtained adopting a modified Debye dispersion model. MATLAB is used to confirm coaxial dimensions are suitable fabrication designs using fixed dielectric parameters of air and water. Simulations and design models were implemented utilizing ANSYS High Frequency Structure Simulator and 3-D Modeler software to develop the …

3d Bioprinted Coaxial Tubule Optimization For Human Aortic Endothelial Cell Growth, Ilse Gabriela Perez Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

This paper introduces a research study of printing parameter optimization of extruded, cell-laden, 3D bioprinted coaxial tubules, as well as cell interaction observations. Optimization of printing parameters seeks to reduce variability of the tubules’ inner and outer diameters. The tubules were manufactured from a 0.4% Collagen I - 1.6% NaC6H7O6 (Sodium Alginate) bioink, that reaches gelation through interaction with a 3.2% CaCl2 (Calcium Chloride) solution. The bioinks were extruded through a dual syringe pump mechanism connected to a coaxial nozzle, which is mounted on an adapted 3D FDM (Fused Deposition …

The Shift: Web 2.0 Tools And Learner Engagement From The Teacher Perspective, Deig Aaron Sandoval

Theses and Dissertations

The COVID-19 epidemic has altered the educational technology landscape and made Web 2.0 tools' potential for online instruction more apparent. This study uses the Decomposed Theory of Planned Behavior (DTPB) paradigm to examine teachers’ perceptions of Web 2.0 tools and online learning. The study aims to investigate and advance the expanding body of research on teachers' perceptions of Web 2.0 tools' potential to increase student participation in the classroom. The research questions examine how ready instructors are to utilize Web 2.0 tools, how they feel about using them, how perceived behavioral control variables affect their intents, and how subjective norms …

Student Loan Debt Disparity Among White, African American And Hispanic Women: A National View, Arnoldo Trejo

Theses and Dissertations

Published research into the student loan debt problem reveals a disproportionate impact on underrepresented groups within higher education, notably Hispanics, African Americans, and women students. Research on student loan debt underscores that lower-income and first-generation college students are significantly more affected when compared to their higher-income counterparts. The escalating trends in student loan debt are forcing college-going students in the United States to postpone major life events such as homeownership, marriage, and starting a family. The burden of high student debt negatively influences the accumulation of family wealth, including critical aspects such as home ownership, retirement savings, investments, and other …

Online Learning Communities And Secondary Educators' Tech-Enhanced Instructional Practices: A Correlational Study, Oscar R. Carrera

Theses and Dissertations

This correlational study investigated how secondary educators' engagement in online learning communities relates to their tech-enhanced instructional practices, a relationship that gained importance following the COVID-19 pandemic's acceleration of educational technology adoption. Through the lens of Keller's ARCS Model of Motivation (Keller, 1987) and demographic analysis, the research examined three key aspects: the relationship between community engagement and tech-enhanced instructional practices, demographic predictors of engagement, and correlations between ARCS motivational components and engagement. Data collected through a cross-sectional survey of 115 secondary educators revealed a statistically significant moderate positive correlation between engagement in online learning communities and tech-enhanced instructional practices. …

Enhancing Educator Technology Skills In The Digital Age: A Comparative Analysis Of Video And Screenshot Microlesson Professional Development, Brittni Knebel Kalich

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined video and screenshot microlesson formats as a technology professional development for enhancing educators’ technology skills. As educators face increasing demands for technology proficiency in the twenty-first century classroom, this study was conducted to help address a need for further investigation into whether screenshot or video microlessons can serve as effective PD tools for teachers (Bowman, Vongkulluksn, Jiang, and Xie, 2020). Using a comparative design, this study evaluated three groups: one receiving video microlessons, another receiving screenshot-based microlessons, and a control group receiving no lesson. Data were collected through post test scores (multiple choice questions), a Likert-scale survey, …

Bayesian Lasso Regularized Quantile Regression And Its Applications, Priscilla Kissi-Appiah

Theses and Dissertations

Since the pioneering work of (Koenker and Bassett Jr 1978), quantile regression has been a popular regression technique that helps researchers investigate a whole distribution of the response variable. In addition, due to the quantile check loss function, it is robust against outliers and heavy-tailed distributions of the response variable and can provide a more comprehensive picture of modeling via exploring the conditional quantiles of the response variable. In this research, we study the lasso regularized quantile regression from a Bayesian perspective. We develop an efficient sampling algorithm to generate posterior samplings for making posterior inference by using a location-scale …

Understanding Social Media As A Communicative Tool To Facilitate Critical Discourse: Using #Blackgirlmagic To Explore How Black Women In Higher Education “Talk Back", Crystal Spruill Carter

Theses and Dissertations

Black women have engaged through social media platforms, as a mechanism to uplift their embodiment, despite being relegated to the margins. The hashtag #BlackGirlMagic (BGM) is linked to narratives of Black women in higher education that are empowering and problematic. The development of the popular social media movement during a time when Black women were being portrayed negatively made engaging in the discourse "talking back" possible. This study explores the lived experiences of Black women college students and recent graduates, using currere as an analytical tool for my own communication journals entries as a data source to structure my reflections …

Teachers’ Perceptions On The Impact And Effectiveness Of Certification Programs In Preparing And Retaining Educators, Teresa De Jesus Padilla

Theses and Dissertations

Mathematics is integral to STEM fields, making math critically important for the stability and development of the nation. As a result, mathematics teachers have a crucial role in our society. A role whose importance needs the necessary support to accomplish its numerous responsibilities. However, research indicates that certification routes—traditional and alternative—often fail to adequately prepare math teachers for the challenges they face, leading to high turnover rates. This study explores the impact of these certification routes on teachers’ abilities to support student achievement, address diverse learning needs, and manage additional duties. Surveying secondary math teachers in the Rio Grande Valley, …

Examining Hispanic Beginning Farmers And Ranchers In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Community Capitals Framework, Perla Kimberly Schrock

Theses and Dissertations

While existing literature addresses the experiences of beginning farmers and ranchers (BFR), there is a notable gap in research focused on Hispanic beginning farmers and ranchers (HBFR). This study aimed at exploring the unique experiences of HBFR in a predominantly Hispanic region, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), employed the Community Capitals Framework (Flora et al., 2016). I conducted 16 semi-structured interviews with HBFR and local nonprofit organizations and federal employees, complemented by participant observations. Through thematic and content analysis of the interview transcripts, findings revealed valuable insights into the livelihoods of HBFR. Despite HBFR facing significant challenges, this study demonstrated …

Leveraging A Community Of Practice To Advance Stem Education Reform And Promote Teacher And Student Self-Efficacy, Ruth Renee Colyer

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examined the impact of the CREST-MECIS community of practice on K-12 STEM teachers and undergraduate and graduate students, addressing the urgent need for innovative approaches in science education to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The study was grounded in response to three primary problem statements: 1) the significant learning losses and socio-emotional challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, 2) the inadequacy of traditional instructional methods in post-pandemic classrooms, and 3) the need for culturally relevant and inclusive teaching practices that acknowledge students’ lived experiences. Data were collected through pre- and post-interviews, survey analyses, and qualitative feedback …

Community Reintegration Of Previously Incarcerated Individuals From A Virtue Perspective, Cindy Noemi Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Community reintegration is one of the most important indicators that determine the success of previously incarcerated individuals’ rehabilitation. It is influenced by several factors such as support, attitudes, strengths, and virtues. One emerging area of study that can be related to community reintegration is virtue. The concept of virtue has received increasing attention in rehabilitation research, focused on how one’s virtuous pursuit of excellence improves well-being and adaptation (Kim et al., 2016). In that community reintegration is a type of life adjustment, virtue can be related to community reintegration. The present study examined community reintegration and perceived support of previously …

Challenges And Strategies In Science Learning: A Thematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Angelica A. Guanzon

Theses and Dissertations

This study thoroughly explores the relationships between the challenges faced by students and the alternative problem-solving strategies employed. By analyzing these connections, the research aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of how students address difficulties in science learning and the adaptive strategies they apply. Through this research, teachers can gain valuable understanding in adapting learning resources that successfully address diverse needs of students. By identifying specific challenges and correlating effective strategies, targeted interventions are designed to enhance the overall science learning experience. The study emphasizes the importance of a dynamic and adaptable teaching approach that caters to the evolving landscape …

Exploring 3rd-8th Grade Teachers’ Conceptions Of The Nwea Map Assessment And The Relationship On Grade Level, Content Area, And Students’ Academic Growth, Dymphna Jewelle Canales

Theses and Dissertations

In education, assessment helps shape teaching practices and student outcomes, as it influences how teachers perceive their roles, approach instruction, and engage with students. This study investigated 3rd-8th grade English Language Arts and mathematics teachers' conceptions of the NWEA MAP Growth assessment, focusing on four key factors: (1) improvement for teaching and learning, (2) school accountability, (3) student accountability, and (4) assessment irrelevance. The research examined the relationship between teachers' conceptions and variables such as grade levels, content areas, and students' academic growth as measured by NWEA MAP scores. Using a descriptive correlational design, data were collected from 61 teachers …

The Role Of Hope In Recovery From Sexual Assault For Hispanic Women, Esmeralda Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

Despite a growing amount of academic literature, there is a lack of research examining the levels of hope in Hispanic women recovering from sexual assault trauma. This quantitative survey investigates hope in Hispanic women healing from sexual assault trauma. The Miller Hope Scale (MHS) examines the variations and correlations between degrees of hope and demographic, personal, and self-advocacy factors. The research employs the Trauma Symptom Checklist—40 to investigate the correlation between levels of hope and trauma among women who have undergone sexual assault. Ninety-one Hispanic women from a crisis center in the U.S. were recruited for the study. Descriptive statistics, …

One Hundred Years Of The U.S. Tax Court (1924-2024): An Examination Of The Tribunal, Its Judges, And Firms’ Involvement In Tax Litigation, Rolando Daniel Sanchez

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation consists of three interrelated essays on the U.S. Tax Court. The first essay examines the institutional background of the U.S. Tax Court (formerly the Board of Tax Appeals), thereby framing its importance and history. Focused on the factors that gave rise to the Board of Tax Appeals, this essay begins by distilling prior histories and discussing the circumstances that birthed the institution. Next, the paper expounds on early proponents of the Board of Tax Appeals, such as the American Mining Congress and key individuals therein. Specifically, I propose strong influence for the formation of the Board of Tax …

Assessing Cover Crop Adoption Factors In The Rio Grande Valley Through A Social-Ecological Perspective, Mackenzie Feldman

Theses and Dissertations

Reducing agriculture’s negative environmental impacts is crucial for mitigating climate change (White, 2021). Cover crops– non-cash crops grown to benefit subsequent cash crops– can slow erosion, improve soil health, enhance water availability, control pests, and increase biodiversity. Despite these benefits, adoption rates remain low, prompting the USDA and other organizations to fund research on increasing their use. Most studies focus on the Midwest and Northeast, and emphasize individual factors over the relationship between structural factors and individual factors that impact farmers’ decisions to adopt cover crops. This USDA-funded study begins to fill this gap by exploring social-ecological factors and how …

Emotion Regulation From A Virtue Perspective: Applications For Individuals With Adverse Childhood Experiences, Maria Eugenia Palomo

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to explore the contributory effect of Virtues in differentiating one’s ability to regulate emotion. Convenience sampling will be utilized to obtain a total of 102 participants who had adverse childhood experiences. Participants will be recruited via collaboration with local behavioral counseling agencies. Two behavioral health counseling agencies located in Hidalgo County, including Corazon Consulting, Inc. and A Better Tomorrow, LLC, have agreed to be part of the present study. The research packets used in this study consisted of two parts: 1) a demographic information form, and 2) a research questionnaire that includes three instruments …

Resonances Of Electrostatically Actuated Non-Uniform Mems Cantilever Resonator Of Constant Width And Linearly Varying Thickness, Rigoberto Flores

Theses and Dissertations

In this investigation the behavior of an electrostatically actuated non-uniform microelectromechanical (MEMS) cantilever resonator of constant width and linearly varying thickness is investigated. The cantilever resonator vibrates using soft AC voltage at near half the first natural frequency of the cantilever and near the first natural frequency of the cantilever, known as primary and parametric resonances, respectively. Bifurcation diagrams for the amplitude-frequency and amplitude-voltage response are obtained for both resonances. Two methods are used in this investigation, namely the Method of Multiple Scales (MMS) and Reduced Order Model (ROM) using up to 6 modes of vibration.

These methods are used …

Sustainability Of Military Values Post Military Service: A Quantitative Study, Jennifer Ann Jazinski

Theses and Dissertations

Military-to-civilian transitioning represents a multidimensional process of adjustment, encompassing mental and physical health, basic physiological needs, practical (e.g., employment), and cultural domains. The intent of this study is to examine the sustainability of military values (e.g., duty, integrity, ethics, honor, courage, and loyalty) post-military service and to identify whether reported levels of sustained military values impact veterans’ reported level of Quality of Life (QoL). This study will assess the impacts demographic variables (e.g., gender, ethnicity, relationship status, age, number of children, highest level of education, student status, employment status, comfort with finances, living status, county of residence). and military service …

Identifying Challenges Faced By Small And Medium Enterprises (Smes) In The Middle East And North Africa (Mena) Region Through Total Quality Management, Mohamad Atef

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have become recognized as an important driver of global economic growth and innovation. This phenomenon is particularly evident in the MENA region, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make a significant contribution to the businesses. SMEs offer significant benefits in terms of job creation, revenue generation, and fostering economic diversity. Although SMEs have a vital contribution in the economy of the MENA region, SMEs face many challenges that hinder their development and long-term viability. Focusing on these challenges is very important for fostering a vibrant and resilient economic environment. The objective of this thesis …

The Association Between Childhood Trauma And Adulthood Depression And Posttraumatic Symptoms. Mediated Through Emotion Regulation And Perceived Social Support., Josue David Luna Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Depression and posttraumatic stress are two psychological consequences commonly reported by adults exposed to adverse childhood experiences. High prevalence of childhood adversities in the United States is a significant concern. Despite this, the specific causal mechanisms connecting childhood adversity to adult psychopathology remain undiscovered and require further research. This research aimed to determine whether perceived social support, cognitive reappraisal, and expressive suppression, two alternate forms of emotion regulation, would independently mediate the link between adverse childhood experiences and psychopathology in adulthood among a sample of U.S. Hispanic students. A total of 814 undergraduate students completed an anonymous online battery of …

Using Nano-Ities For Detection Of Metal Ions In Complex Aqueous Solutions, Mohammed Muzammil Nishar Ahmed

Theses and Dissertations

Recent urbanization has induced a rapid increase in heavy metal exposure to humans. The exploitation of heavy metals for economic gains coupled with poor and economically infeasible recycling methods have led to poor management of heavy metal wastes, which has opened up several pathways for heavy metals to enter the human body. Such heavy metals target many vital organs, but the early symptoms are common and difficult to diagnose. Severe symptoms appear in later stages and are very expensive to treat and the damage caused to the health are not typically reversable in such later stages. To counter this issue, …

Using Task Clarification And Feedback To Teach Feedback Reception Skills To Registered Behavior Technicians, Kira Elizabeth Flynn

Theses and Dissertations

Feedback is a common behavioral intervention to address performance issues in a variety of settings. Feedback has been heavily studied in organizational behavior management; most of this research has focused on the parameters of feedback delivery and behaviors of the feedback provider that impact the effectiveness of the feedback delivered. However, only two studies to date have examined how to teach individuals to effectively receive feedback. The current study investigated the efficacy of task clarification and feedback to teach appropriate feedback reception skills to individuals. One participant met mastery criteria of the feedback reception skills with task clarification alone, while …

Impact Of State-Level Family Policies On Female Labor Force Participation And Entrepreneurship, Kathryn Staczek Rudloff

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation aims to investigate the impact of state-level family policies on women's participation in the labor force in the United States, focusing specifically on the rise of self-employment and solopreneurship among women. The research seeks to answer the following question: "How do family policies at the state level impact participation of American women in the labor force?"

The study utilized a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. A composite index of state level family policies was created to conduct cross-sectional exploratory data analysis of female labor force participation. Additionally, a qualitative phenomenological study of solopreneurs provided a deeper understanding of the …

Fabrication And Performance Of Scalable Bio-Engineered Porous Layers For Efficient Co2 Capture, Mary Sharon Rose Bondugula

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses the critical challenge of mitigating climate change by advancing CO2 capture technologies. As global CO2 emissions continue to rise, effective methods for capturing and separating CO2 from industrial processes are essential to combat climate change. Existing CO2 capture systems, such as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA), often rely on packed bed designs that face limitations, including poor heat and mass transfer, slow gas diffusion, and low thermal conductivity, reducing their efficiency. To overcome these challenges, this dissertation explores innovative solutions by developing advanced adsorbent coatings and scalable bed configurations.

This research begins by …

Ecological And Pathological Applications Of The Heat Shock Response, Taylor Rae Stanley

Theses and Dissertations

The heat shock response (HSR) is a cytoprotective stress response pathway that regulates cellular proteostasis. The HSR is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that is essential for normal cellular functioning. Here, we explore the broad ecological and pathological impacts of the HSR. In an ecological context, we perform gene level analysis of the transcriptomes of two closely related sunfish. We found that the more invasive bluegill sunfish has gene expansions in two HSR gene families, the HSP70 family and the HSP90 family compared to the redear sunfish. These gene expansions were also observed in several other teleost fish species and were …

Adsorption Of Harmful Algal Bloom Toxins Using Biochar, Cadianne Chambers

Theses and Dissertations

Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) events involve the proliferation of microalgae which discharge lethal toxins into fresh and brackish water bodies due to anthropogenic and climatic activities. Common examples of HABs include causative organisms such as Cyanobacteria, Pyrodinium bahamense and more. These genera are known to release potent toxins including Microcystins, and Saxitoxins, respectively, which can seriously endanger human and marine health. Ingestion of these toxins can result in several health problems, such as nausea, vomiting, gastroenteritis, skin irritation, liver damage, paralysis, and respiratory arrest. The Great Lakes, Gulf of Maine, Florida’s coasts, Lake Erie, and Lake Okeechobee have all been …

Tac-It An Affective Computing User Interface Design, Andrew Biron

Theses and Dissertations

TAC-IT affective computing user-interface design is an independent computer peripheral that is a tool to be utilized to obtain a user’s self-reported emotional state in real-time. Doctor Rosalind Picard first coined and used the term affective computing in her paper Affective Computing [Picard, R. (1995)]. Affective Computing is defined as the study and development of systems and devices that can recognize, interpret, process, and simulate human affects. It is an interdisciplinary field spanning computer science, psychology, and cognitive science. Since that time, areas of research have expanded exponentially, and areas of interest include how to trigger emotions in a test …